In this trying time, I'm very cognizant that information overload is one of the many challenges we all face. The state and local response to the coronavirus threat is appropriately robust and responsible, yet I appreciate everyone's apprehension.

This afternoon, Gov. JB Pritzker encouraged the people of Illinois to limit their travel by issuing a stay-at-home order to take effect at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21. As rumors swirl, let me repeat the governor's assurance that essential services will always remain open, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations.

I'm including below links to those state resources that I believe you will find most helpful. Regrettably, I must postpone a Town Hall Meeting on Prescription Drug prices previously scheduled for March 30.

I'm including links below to the state resources I believe you will find most helpful. Please take every precaution to stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Steve Stadelman | District 34

With information changing so rapidly, the state has launched a new website containing all of the resources Illinois has developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including the latest health advisories, number of confirmed cases statewide and executive orders issued by the governor.

All Illinois Secretary of State offices and Driver Service facilities are CLOSED through March 31. Expiration dates are being extended by 30 days for: driver’s licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings.

Family and Community Resource Centers operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services (including the Rockford center at East State Street and Mulford Road) are open with reduced staff in accordance with guidelines on social distancing. It is recommended, however, that you apply for and manage benefits (including SNAP, WIC and TANF) online or by calling 1-800-843-6154. The state also has filed a federal waiver to ease eligibility requirements for food-assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has enacted consumer protections for utility customers including a moratorium on shut-offs, suspension of late-payment penalties and a prohibition on door-to-door marketing by alternative suppliers until further notice.

Illinois has been approved for up to $2 million in low-interest, federal disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship following the submission of documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state. Eligible businesses in all 102 counties can apply online. By order of the governor, sales tax payments are being deferred for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants — accounting for nearly 80% of dining and drinking establishments statewide.